Barbour County Commission approves appointments, equipment purchases and ends Clio senior-center CDBG grant

Barbour County commissioners met Tuesday at the Eufaula Courthouse and approved a package of appointments, equipment purchases and local actions, and voted to terminate a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for a proposed Clio Senior Center.

The meeting opened at 9:45 a.m. with Chairman Jerry McGilvray present; County Administrator Raye Ann Calton and County Attorney Walter Calton were also listed as in attendance. Commissioners voted to amend the agenda to add a ratification of a delayed opening for county buildings on Jan. 26, 2026, and to consider terminating the CDBG grant for the Clio project. The amendment carried unanimously after a motion by Commissioner Eric Pomeroy and a second from Commissioner Jason Bennett.

On appointments, the commission accepted district nominations and appointed seven people to the Barbour County Hospital Association for five-year terms beginning Feb. 14, 2026 and ending Feb. 14, 2031. The appointees were: Rebecca Beasley (District 1 reappointment), Phil Clayton (District 2 reappointment), Regina Smith (District 3 appointment), Mary Foy Kirkland (District 4 reappointment), Joey Ogletree (District 5 appointment), Glenda Green (District 6 appointment), and Bill Hovey (District 7 appointment). The commission also appointed Commissioners Frances Shipman and Rachel Smith to the SARCOA Board of Directors for three-year terms beginning March 25, 2026 and tabled the non-elected official seat for that board.

The commission authorized the purchase of six mobile data information system units, including project management and one year of support for the Sheriff’s Department, at a total cost of $10,932.00 after a motion by Commissioner Pomeroy; that motion carried unanimously. The board also declared an asset—a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (VIN 1GCRKPEA8CZ239372)—surplus after it was totaled in an accident, and approved soliciting bids for two HVAC split units to serve the Clio Senior Center and the entry of the Eufaula Courthouse.

Commissioners approved purchasing two 5-ton Carrier heat pumps for the Clayton Senior Center from Brown Heating & Air Conditioning for $17,100.00. Commissioner Rachel Smith moved the purchase and Commissioner Jason Bennett seconded; Chairman Jerry McGilvray abstained from the vote, and the motion carried among members who voted.

On local infrastructure and operations, the commission set a 25 miles-per-hour speed limit on Mary C. Smith Road after a motion by Commissioner Pomeroy that carried unanimously. The board also ratified an emergency delayed opening of county buildings on Jan. 26, 2026, to 10:00 a.m. because of sustained below-freezing temperatures following extended rain, and approved paying affected employees for hours missed during the closure.

In a final notable action, the commission voted unanimously to terminate the CDBG grant for construction of a new Clio Senior Center after a motion by Commissioner Pomeroy and a second from Commissioner Bennett. The minutes record the termination but do not specify reasons for ending the grant or any planned next steps for senior services in Clio.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that carried unanimously.

The minutes list the commissioners present as Chairman Jerry McGilvray; District One Commissioner Rachel Smith; District Two Commissioner Jason Bennett; District Three Commissioner Frances Shipman; District Four Commissioner Eric Pomeroy; District Six Commissioner Karen Collins; and District Seven Commissioner Stan Adams. County staff named in the minutes include County Engineer Turner Lee, County Administrator Raye Ann Calton and County Attorney Walter Calton.